Notes and Editorial Reviews

This disc offers a collection of beautiful sacred and secular
music by contemporary Norwegian/American composer, Ola Gjeilo.
The inspiration behind much of this lies in nature’s beauty,
wonderment and one’s yearning for the spiritual realms. It is
refreshing to see a young composer focus on such depth with
such sincerity and a direct, communicative language.

We open with The Ground, a setting of the Sanctus from
the Latin Mass. It is adapted from a movement of Gjeilo’s Sunrise
Mass. This modestly expressive piece is a good reflectionRead more
of what is to come with all its solemnity and without a hint
of cynicism. Strings and chorus evocatively support each other
with Gjeilo himself at the piano.Serenity, as its name implies, is a tranquil piece
full of stillness with a central section of soaring beauty.
Especially notable are the high sopranos who really shine in
this work. The text is from the ancient ‘O magnum mysterium’.
It is full of delicate restraint and its elusive melodic lines
are sensitively performed.

Northern Lights is described by the composer as a reflection
of his native Norway’s formidable winters. There is a sense
here of the Aurora borealis – a phenomenon that must have instilled
fear and awe in ancient times. This combination of beauty and
awe is well captured in this reflective piece.

The longest item is the large-scale Dark Night of the Soul
which is in a minimalist vein somewhat similar to the frantic
rhythms typical of Philip Glass. The text by the imprisoned
St. John of the Cross, a sixteenth century Spanish priest and
mystic, describes the soul’s transcendence from an earthly prison
towards a reunion with God. Through moments of frenetic accompaniment,
the choir intones solemnly as a soprano soloist – the splendid
Alison Chaney - ascends as a witness from the spiritual realms.
Furious motion settles to a more lyrical sequence as the work
traverses the joyful, the glorious and finally sublime peace.

The Spheres features gentle dissonances that build
and pull with care. The skill of the Phoenix Chorale is evident
in the transparency and warmth with which they handle the organic
motion of the music. They clearly respond to Gjeilo’s musical
vision.

The brief Prelude is a jaunty setting of the Latin
motet, Exsultate, jubilate and is sung with precision.
The switch in mood from meditative to elation adds to the variety
of this disc.

Phoenix is a descriptive setting of the Agnus Dei
full of vivid imagery and dedicated to the Phoenix Chorale.

Unicornis captivator has some very beautiful moments
with two contrasting styles. Madrigals of various moods alternate
with richly textured Alleluias in a way that is mesmerizing.

The disc closes appropriately with Evening Prayer where
the choir and piano are joined by the saxophone in a hymn. Interestingly,
this piece demonstrates Gjeilo’s jazz skills. The accompaniment
is mostly improvised while the chorus passionately sings a rousing
prayer of St. Augustine.

The singing from the Phoenix Chorale has admirable clarity,
dynamic range and warmth. The recording quality is demonstration-worthy.
The liner-notes are informative and written in English, German
and French. This is a very fine disc of meditative and refined
gems.

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review: ( 4 Customer Reviews )

Awesome Child!April 25, 2013By S EMILY E. (Fullerton, CA)See All My Reviews"Mr. Gjeilo is absolutely awesome! HIs settings and interpretations of fairly 'standard' Christian texts are both easy to hear and deeply insightful. THough they sometimes seem to echo Howard Shore's Ring music (not a bad thing in my book) there is a freshness and innocence which is irresistible. Have a listen, then go to his website, and let him know what you think! Definitely worth thetime!"Report Abuse

ExquisiteFebruary 27, 2013By Sally C. (denver, CO)See All My Reviews"Every selection on this CD is gorgeous. They are all melodic and lush, yet edgy in harmonics."Report Abuse

Sweet SerenityJanuary 21, 2013By Curtis Hottinger See All My Reviews"While e-mailing a friend, I heard this song-Serenity on MPR. The e-mail was concerning Gods Will, I don't believe in coincidence. I believe in Music, God and Love.......all The Same! Wonderful music, serenity, sincerely.-c"Report Abuse